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Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Admiration for Angelina

So we all woke up the shocking news yesterday that Angelina Jolie had undergone a double mastectomy in a bid to reduce her chances of breast cancer. Her mother fought cancer for nearly a decade and Angelina's risk of breast cancer was at 87%, alarmingly high. She also has a risk that stands at 50% for ovarian cancer. Having six children was enough to persuade the actress to undergo surgery in February, a start of many operations but has reduced her risk of getting breast cancer to under 5%.

'Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimise the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy.'

Not only do I admire her for going through such a tough time but for exposing such personal information to the world, information so sensitive. Brad Pitt, her partner, has expressed how proud he is of the actress and has been there every minute, reassuring her.

'Having witnessed this decision firsthand, I find Angie's choice, as well as so many others like her, absolutely heroic.'

The current cost in the US to be tested for the faulty genes stands at $3000 which Angelina has stated,

'remains an obstacle for many women'.

To go through something like this at the age of 37 would be a shock to anyone but we have to admire Angelina for taking such a preventive measure which required such hard decision making. Other stars such as Sharon Osbourne have previously gone through a similar ordeal. Angelinas surgery is not yet complete as she will also be getting her ovaries removed to reduced her high risk of ovarian cancer. How can you not admire such a brave woman?

I know many people go through this on a day to day basis but we don't always recognise the courage it takes for women to go through something through this journey and we should. Here is my chance to say that I admire you women and the sacrifice you make for your children, friends, partners and most importantly yourself.